Hamas and Israel have reached a deal to release the remains of four Israeli hostages in exchange for 602 Palestinian security prisoners, both sides confirmed Tuesday. The agreement resolves a dispute that had threatened to derail a ceasefire deal before its first phase was completed.
According to Hamas, the agreement ensures the simultaneous release of the hostages’ remains and Palestinian prisoners, including women and minors. An Israeli official stated that the exchange would take place through Egypt on Wednesday or possibly Thursday.
Israel had initially delayed the release of Palestinian prisoners, citing Hamas’s violations of previous agreements, including propaganda displays during prior hostage releases. Hamas has now reportedly agreed to avoid such ceremonies this time, though Israel remains skeptical given past assurances that were not upheld.
The broader ceasefire agreement, reached last month, temporarily paused 15 months of fighting that began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken. The multi-phase deal requires Hamas to free all hostages, Israel to release thousands of Palestinian prisoners, and both sides to enter negotiations for a potential lasting truce.
Following the current hostage exchange, Hamas faces three choices: agree to Israel’s demands to disarm and relinquish control over Gaza, extend the ceasefire through further hostage releases, or reject the deal and resume full-scale war. An Israeli official warned that if fighting resumes, Israel would do so with “full legitimacy” from the Trump administration.
Despite this latest agreement, uncertainty remains over the ceasefire’s future and Hamas’s willingness to uphold its commitments.
